Revue vs. Review – Which is Correct?

While often confused due to their similar spellings and pronunciations, revue and review are distinct words with different meanings. A revue is typically a theatrical show or a type of periodical, whereas a review refers to an evaluation, a critical assessment, or the act of re-examining something. Both are correct, but they are not interchangeable.

Revue or Review – Which is Correct?

Both “revue” and “review” are correct English words, but they serve entirely different purposes. The confusion often stems from their shared etymological roots and similar sounds, leading people to mistakenly use one when they intend the other. The core difference lies in their semantic fields: “revue” is almost exclusively related to entertainment or publication, while “review” pertains to examination, evaluation, or re-assessment.

To differentiate, remember this mnemonic: A revue is a show, while a review is a look (again). If you’re talking about a performance or a magazine, use “revue.” If you’re talking about an appraisal or re-examination, use “review.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Revue	Noun	A light theatrical entertainment, typically consisting of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances; a periodical.	The Parisian revue dazzled the audience with its elaborate costumes.
Review	Noun / Verb	(Noun) A critical appraisal of a book, play, film, etc.; a formal inspection or examination; a reconsideration. (Verb) To examine or assess something again; to look back on.	The film received mixed reviews. / Please review the contract carefully.

How to Use Revue

“Revue” is exclusively a noun and refers to two primary concepts: a type of theatrical entertainment or a periodical publication. As a theatrical form, a revue is a light, often satirical, show comprising a series of sketches, songs, and dances, typically without a strong narrative thread. When referring to a publication, it denotes a journal or magazine, often with a specific focus (e.g., a literary revue). The tone is generally descriptive, referring to a specific entity.

Given that ‘revue’ often refers to a theatrical performance, it’s worth noting the distinction between theatre vs. theater in different contexts.

Example 1: The local theater group staged a lively summer revue featuring comedic skits and musical numbers.

Example 2: She submitted her essay to a prestigious academic revue specializing in modern poetry.

Example 3: The satirical revue at the club poked fun at current political events.

What are the different forms of Revue?

As a noun, “revue” primarily changes for pluralization.

• Singular: revue (e.g., one revue)
• Plural: revues (e.g., several revues)

Etymology of the word Revue

The word “revue” comes from the French word “revue,” meaning “a review, a re-examination, a parade.” It is the feminine past participle of “revoir” (to see again). Its theatrical sense emerged in the late 19th century, referring to a show that “reviews” or looks back at current events or trends.

How to Use Review

“Review” is a versatile word that can function as both a noun and a verb, with a broader range of meanings than “revue.” As a noun, a “review” can be a critical assessment (of a book, film, product), a formal inspection or examination (e.g., a performance review, a legal review), or a general re-examination of something. As a verb, “to review” means to look over, examine, or assess something again, or to discuss past events. It is widely used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

Example 1: The restaurant received a glowing review in the local newspaper.

Example 2: Before the exam, students should review all their notes and textbooks.

Example 3: The manager scheduled a quarterly project review to assess progress and identify any issues.

What are the different forms of Review?

“Review” can change form depending on its use as a noun or a verb.

• Noun (Singular): review (e.g., one review)
• Noun (Plural): reviews (e.g., many reviews)
• Verb (Base): review (e.g., I review)
• Verb (Third person singular present): reviews (e.g., he reviews)
• Verb (Present participle): reviewing (e.g., I am reviewing)
• Verb (Past tense/Past participle): reviewed (e.g., I reviewed, it was reviewed)

Etymology of the word Review

The word “review” also derives from Old French, specifically “reveue” (a re-examination, inspection), which comes from “reveoir” (to see again). This, in turn, traces back to the Latin “re-” (again) and “videre” (to see). The sense of a critical assessment or formal examination developed over centuries, reflecting its core meaning of “looking again” at something.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “revue” and “review” highlights the importance of semantic fields and context in English. While words may share similar origins or sounds, their meanings can diverge significantly over time, leading them into different “semantic fields” or categories of meaning. “Revue” belongs to the field of entertainment and publishing, while “review” belongs to the field of assessment, examination, and evaluation. Paying attention to these distinct usage contexts is crucial for accurate communication and avoiding ambiguity.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The Ziegfeld Follies were a legendary American theatrical revue, known for their elaborate sets and beautiful showgirls.”
• “In her famous essay, Virginia Woolf penned a scathing review of a contemporary novel, dissecting its flaws with precision.”
• “The band’s new album received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics across the globe.”
• “He found an old literary revue from the 1920s, filled with fascinating articles and poems.”
• “The legal team needed to meticulously review all the evidence before presenting their case to the court.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The theater group put on a lively summer _____. (revue/review)
2. Can you please _____ my essay for grammatical errors? (revue/review)
3. She wrote a glowing _____ of the new novel. (revue/review)
4. The historical _____ covered events from the last century. (revue/review)
5. The manager scheduled a project _____ for Friday afternoon. (revue/review)

Answer Key

1. revue
2. review
3. review
4. revue
5. review

Revue Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Show	A theatrical performance or public display.
Spectacle	An event or scene regarded in terms of its visual impact.
Entertainment	The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.
Periodical	A magazine or newspaper published at regular intervals.

Review Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Critique	A detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary or philosophical theory.
Appraisal	An act of assessing something or someone.
Evaluation	The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.
Examine	Inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition.
Reconsider	Consider (something) again, especially for a possible change of decision or opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Are “revue” and “review” pronounced exactly the same?
No, while similar, their pronunciations are distinct. “Revue” typically ends with a “voo” sound (/rɪˈvuː/), similar to “interview” if it were spelled “intervoo”. “Review” ends with a “view” sound (/rɪˈvjuː/). The subtle difference in the final vowel sound can help distinguish them.

Question 2: Can “revue” ever be used as a verb?
No, “revue” is exclusively a noun, referring either to a type of show or a publication. “Review,” on the other hand, can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Question 3: How can I easily remember the difference between “revue” and “review”?
A helpful trick is to associate “revue” with “show” (both have a ‘v’ sound and refer to entertainment). For “review,” think of “re-view,” meaning to look at something again, or to evaluate it. If it’s about entertainment or a periodical, use “revue.” If it’s about assessment, examination, or looking again, use “review.”

Conclusion

While “revue” and “review” share a common etymological lineage and similar sounds, they have evolved into distinct words with specific meanings. “Revue” refers to a theatrical production or a periodical, firmly rooted in the realm of entertainment and publishing. “Review,” conversely, encompasses critical appraisal, examination, and re-evaluation, serving a much broader range of functions in language. Understanding and correctly applying these words demonstrates precision in communication. Pro Tip: Using the correct term not only clarifies your message but also enhances your credibility, particularly in professional or academic contexts.